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Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon

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Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon
Zelda Wand of Gamelon box art.jpg
Developer(s) Animation Magic
Publisher(s) Philips Media
Release date USA October 10, 1993
Europe December 25, 1993
Genre(s) Action-adventure, platform
Console(s) Philips CD-i
Mode(s) Single player
"Wand of Gamelon" redirects here. For information about the item with the same name, see Wand of Gamelon (item).

Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon is a video game released for the Philips CD-i in 1993. It was developed by Animation Magic and published by Philips Media alongside Link: The Faces of Evil. The Wand of Gamelon is very similar to The Faces of Evil in its gameplay, though the player controls Princess Zelda rather than Link. Both games, as well as Zelda's Adventure, are the only The Legend of Zelda games where Nintendo was not involved in the their development.

While both games initially received mixed reviews, they are infamous for their extreme negative reception in contemporary reviews and retrospectives, and they are often considered the worst games in The Legend of Zelda franchise, as well as some of the worst games of all time. The CD-i games were ambiguously disowned from the franchise by Eiji Aonuma.[1]

Plot[edit]

Impa comforts Zelda after the Princess worries for her father, King Harkinian

King Harkinian announces his plan to aid Duke Onkled, the ruler of Gamelon, after the island nation falls under attack by Ganon's forces. Zelda is worried for his safety, so the King orders her to send Link for backup in case he does not return from his mission within a month. A month passes without word from the King, so Zelda sends Link to find him.

When he too goes missing, Zelda ventures off to Gamelon (accompanied by the elderly Impa) to find both Link and the King. In the town of Sakado, Impa discovers that King Harkinian was captured and that Link had engaged in a battle, the outcome of which is unclear. As she adventures across the island, Zelda meets many friendly characters and battles with many monsters including Gibdo and Iron Knuckle. Along her travels, Zelda battles the sorcerer Wizzrobe to free Lady Alma, who gives Zelda a canteen that she claims Link gave her in exchange for a kiss.

On reaching Duke Onkled's palace, Domodai Palace, it is revealed that Duke Onkled has betrayed the King and is working for Ganon. Zelda storms the palace, kills Hektan, and saves the imprisoned Lord Kiro who used to work for the King. Kiro reveals the secret entrance to Onkled's chamber, and when they confront him he reveals the entrance to Reesong Palace, where Ganon has taken residence.

Zelda travels to the Shrine of Gamelon to defeat the head-switching chimera Omfak and obtain the Wand needed to defeat Ganon. She also visits Nokani Forest to obtain a magic lantern needed to clear the darkness around Ganon. Finally at Reesong Palace, Zelda fights Ganon, incapacitates him with the Wand, and rescues her father. Back at Hyrule Castle, Duke Onkled is turned over to the King, begging for mercy. He is arrested and punished by the King by scrubbing "all the floors in Hyrule". Although Link's whereabouts are still unknown, a comment by Lady Alma prompts Zelda to throw her mirror against the wall, and as it smashes Link magically materializes, seemingly having been trapped in the mirror.

Gameplay[edit]

Zelda exploring one of the opening areas, Kobitan.

The gameplay is very similar to the accompanying title, Link: The Faces of Evil. The player controls Princess Zelda, who must find and defeat Ganon and rescue both King Harkinian and Link to become the heroine of Gamelon. The weapons, a handful of the items, and most of the enemies are the same as in Link: The Faces of Evil, although the trading items, characters, and bosses are different. When the player begins this quest, three areas are initially available, accessible through Impa's map. The player can access each area by moving the on-screen cursor over one on the map and then pressing Button One.

At the beginning of the game, Zelda is only equipped with a sword and shield. The sword is used to attack enemies and to fire deadly power blasts, and the shield can deflect projectile attacks thrown at the player. The shield is automatically lifted when the player is standing still or crouching. Other helpful tools, such as lamp oil (for lighting a lamp), rope (for climbing) and bombs (which can destroy some obstacles) are available for a price at the general store in Sakado. The rubies that the Merchant takes as currency can be obtained by defeating enemies, and are also needed to use certain items.

Like The Faces of Evil, Zelda's health is also measured by Life Hearts. By running out of Life Hearts the first two times, the player is provided with the option to continue from the entrance that Zelda entered the current area from. The player is forced to restart the level if Zelda loses all her Life Hearts a third time.

Characters[edit]

Main characters[edit]

Name Description
Princess Zelda TWoG sprite.png
Princess Zelda
The main protagonist. Seeks to liberate Gamelon from "the evil forces of Ganon" and rescue her father and Link.
Link The Hero of Hyrule. After a month with no word from King Harkinian, Link makes his way to Gamelon, only to be captured by Ganon as well. Link is revealed to have been sealed within a hand mirror at the end of the game, and shattering said mirror frees him.
Impa ZWoG sprite.png
Impa
Zelda's caretaker and keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom. While the Triforce does predict the King's safe return, it does not foresee Onkled's treachery, nor is it able to decipher what happened to Link. Impa is awoken in the middle of the night by Zelda to accompany her on her mission to Gamelon. Impa plays the role Gwonam had in Link: The Faces of Evil.
King Harkinian ZWoG sprite.png
King Harkinian
The King of Hyrule. Implied to be a powerful figure, as Link claims that "Ganon's no match for the King!" He sets sail for Gamelon after a distress call from his ally, Duke Onkled. Onkled, however, turns traitor, and Harkinian is imprisoned by Ganon.
Duke Onkled ZWoG sprite.png
Duke Onkled
The Duke of Gamelon. According to Lord Kiro, "Duke Onkled betrayed the King," which Zelda had suspected. Duke Onkled's treachery seems to be out of fear, as he is portrayed as a cowardly man. He is sentenced to scrubbing every floor in Hyrule at the end of the game.
Ganon TFoE-WoG sprite.png
Ganon
The recurring antagonist of the series. Ganon now wages war against the country of Gamelon in the hopes that Duke Onkled would seek diplomatic aid from King Harkinian. In the end, the cowardly Duke Onkled betrays his ally and allows him to be captured. Ganon is defeated by Zelda using the Wand of Gamelon, which binds him with magical golden chains and drags him into the Book of Koridai.

Supporting characters[edit]

Name Description
Fairy ZWoG sprite.pngFairy ZWoG sprite 2.png
Fairy
Fairies that have been captured by the Three Witches. Once freed, they give Zelda a life heart, Fairy Dust, and some Water of Life.
Grimbo ZWoG sprite.png
Grimbo
An alchemist who transforms Zelda's glove into a Power Glove after she retrieves some Hanyu Spore.
Harbanno ZWoG sprite.png
Harbanno
A Sakado baker who was imprisoned in Tykogi Tower. He gifts Zelda with some of his bread after being freed.
Lady Alma ZWoG sprite.png
Lady Alma
A noblewoman who Wizzrobe entombed within Shutoy Lake's tower. She met and kissed Link before his capture, and gives Zelda his canteen upon meeting her. It's later revealed that her hand mirror contained the imprisoned Link, which is shattered after Zelda throws it at a wall.
Lika ZWoG sprite.png
Lika
A rather frightening resident of Sakado; despite her appearance, she helps Zelda by creating the Magic Cloak after the Princess retrieves some Fairy Dust.
Lord Kiro ZWoG sprite.png
Lord Kiro
A nobleman who was with King Harkinian when they were betrayed by Duke Onkled; Kiro in particular was imprisoned by Hektan. He is freed by Zelda in Dodomai Palace and, after telling her about the ordeal, apprehends the Duke and brings him to Harkinian.
Lubonga ZWoG sprite.png
Lubonga
The only resident left in Aru Ainu after Gleeok's arrival. She knits a green shroud for Zelda.
Hungry Girl ZWoG sprite.png
Makoto
A starving girl who longs for an Arpagos egg. She hands Zelda a flute upon receiving said egg.
Mayor Cravendish ZWoG sprite.png
Mayor Cravendish
The mayor of Sakado, who was imprisoned in Tykogi Tower despite his protests that the action was illegal. He was able to conceal a lantern which he later gives to Zelda.
Ushrom ZWoG sprite.png
Merchant
A shifty shopkeeper who sells lamp oil, rope, and bombs to Zelda.
Myra ZWoG sprite.png
Myra
A sorceress who enchants Zelda's shroud with an Arpagos feather. She later hands Zelda an upgraded lantern before the Princess' expedition to Reesong Palace.
Water Lady ZWoG sprite.png
Sanda
A water carrier that gives Zelda some Water of Life after jumping over a Gohma-infested pit. She also points out Yokan's entrapment in a nearby fish skull.
Yokan ZWoG sprite.png
Yokan
A fisherman who gets trapped inside a giant fish skull in Ahitaru. After being freed, he moves to Sakado and becomes a blacksmith; there, he increases the power of Zelda's sword.

Enemies and obstacles[edit]

Name Description In Link: The Faces of Evil?
Arkadai TWoG sprite.png
Arkadai
Alligators that roam the waterways of Gamelon. They are harmless, and Zelda can ride on their back to reach new locations. However, they can temporarily dive underwater.
X mark.png
Armos TWoG sprite.png
Armos
Spear-wielding stone warriors that guard Tykogi Tower and Dodomai Palace. They have longer spears than their Link: The Faces of Evil counterpart and, therefore, a larger attack radius.
Check mark.png
Arpagos sprite.pngArpagos small sprite.png
Arpagos
Pterodactyl-like birds that are commonly seen throughout Gamelon. They come in two sizes, with the smaller ones often seen perching on trees.
Check mark.png
Bago-Bago TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Bago-Bago
Flying creatures that emit a trail of smoke behind them. They blow out Zelda's lantern light when they hit her, and are invisible unless she has the Fairy Lantern.
Check mark.png
Boar TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Boar
Wild boars that are running amok in Aru Ainu.
Check mark.png
Boon TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Boon
Flying pests that are seen in multitudes in Ahitaru. They'll continuously attack Zelda instead of flying away.
Check mark.png
Bot TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Bot
Short blue blobs that scuttle around in forests. They will charge towards Zelda when she's on their level.
Check mark.png
Boulder TWoG sprite.pngBoulder TFoE TWoG sprite.png
Boulder
Large stones that block off access to new areas. They can be destroyed by either 10 bombs or a single strike from the Power Glove.
Check mark.png
Daira TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Daira
Yellow alligator men. They can either chase Zelda around or sit in place and throw their axes.
Check mark.png
Darknut TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Darknut
Yellow-clad knights that are only found in Gamelon's palaces. They take several hits to kill, and their shields can block projectiles.
Check mark.png
Deadite TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Deadite
Flying blue heads with bat-like wings.
Check mark.png
Deeler TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Deeler
Giant purple spiders that are found in Gamelon's palaces.
Check mark.png
Dodongo TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Dodongo
Heavily-armored gray lizards. They are less resilient than their Link: The Faces of Evil counterparts, and can be defeated with any weapon in Zelda's inventory.
Check mark.png
Falling Rocks TWoG sprite.png
Falling Spike TWoG sprite.png Icicle TFoE TWoG sprite.png
Falling debris
Loose rocks and spikes that periodically fall from the ceiling.
Check mark.png
Ghini green TWoG sprite.pngGhini yellow TWoG sprite.png
Ghini
Ghostly figures that haunt graveyards and shipwrecks. They can have either green or pale skin.
Check mark.png
Gleeok ZWoG sprite.png
Gleeok
A Gleeok in Dordung Cave has scared off the civilians of Aru Ainu. It attacks by spitting fireballs at Zelda.
Check mark.png
Gohma TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Gohma
Crab-like creatures that can only be found in Ahitaru. They take multiple hits to be killed.
Check mark.png
Goriya TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Goriya
Blue canines that throw boomerangs, encountered near the end of Zelda's quest.
Check mark.png
Gleeok Head TFoE sprite.png
Head of Gleeok
One of Gleeok's detached heads. It patrols Dordung Cave and Dodomai Palace, and spits fireballs at Zelda.
Check mark.png
Jawbee TFoE-TWoG sprite.pngJawbee red TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Jawbee
Flying bat-like creatures with huge mouths, seen in the southwestern areas of Gamelon.
Check mark.png
Keese TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Keese
Large bats that are encountered throughout Gamelon.
Check mark.png
Lowder TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Lowder
Giant, short pillbugs that crawl around on the treetops of Washubi Swamp.
Check mark.png
Gargoyle TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Mini-Dragon
Green gargoyle-like enemies that are encountered throughout Gamelon.
Check mark.png
Moa TWoG sprite.png
Moa
A flying mass of tentacles connected to an open eye. They are only seen in Nokani Forest.
Check mark.png
Moblin TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Moblin Spearthrower
Bulldog-like men that are seen throughout Gamelon. They behave similarly to Dairas, but use spears instead of axes.
Check mark.png
Octorok TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Octorok
Large red squids that spit rocks at Zelda. They are only seen outside of Tykogi Tower.
Check mark.png
Phyrandaii TWoG sprite.png
Phyrandaii
Wheel-shaped fireballs that roll around the Shrine of Gamelon and Reesong Palace. There is no way to defeat them like their Link: The Faces of Evil counterparts.
Check mark.png
Spearfish TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Spearfish
Gray sailfish that live in Shutoy Lake.
Check mark.png
Skull Barrier TFoE TWoG sprite 2.pngSkull Barrier TFoE TWoG sprite 1.png
Skull-topped barrier
Tall brick pillars that have skulls attached to their top in one way or another. A single bomb or Power Glove strike destroys them.
Check mark.png
Stalfos TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Stalfos
Skeletal warriors that guard the ruined Gobiyan Ship.
Check mark.png
Stone Head TWoG sprite.png
Stone statue
Floating stone heads that defend Reesong Palace and shoot fireballs at Zelda.
X mark.png
Vire ZWoG sprite.png
Vire
A Vire is encountered inside the lone barn in Kobitan. It flings crescent-shaped projectiles at Zelda.
X mark.png
Wallmaster TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Wall Master (big)
Big purple hands that grab and damage Zelda when she gets close. They cannot be damaged or killed like their Link: The Faces of Evil counterpart.
Check mark.png
Floormaster TWoG sprite.png
Wall Master (small)
Small purple hands that punch Zelda when she gets close. They also cannot be damaged.
X mark.png
Zora TFoE-TWoG sprite.png
Zora
Brown creatures that spit stones at Zelda. They live in the waterways of Gamelon.
Check mark.png

Bosses[edit]

Name Description
Gibdo ZWoG sprite.png
Gibdo
A shambling mummy who resides in Sakado's church. He resurrects the dead buried in the local cemetery, and commands them to enslave the living. He is very strong, being able to defeat Zelda in a single hit. However, he is incredibly weak to Lubonga's Shroud, which unwraps and disintegrates him.
Ironknuckle ZWoG sprite.png
Iron Knuckle
A living suit of armor that rules over Tykogi Tower, and presumably the one who masterminded the imprisonment of Sakado's residents. A single hit from the Power Glove will shatter his armor, leaving nothing but broken metal and a beating life heart.
Three Witches ZWoG sprite 1.png Three Witches ZWoG sprite 2.png Three Witches ZWoG sprite 3.png
Three Witches
A coven of witches who have frozen the Fairy Pool's fountain of life and shrouded the area in darkness. The witches throw fireballs that deal a massive amount of damage, though all three of them will die when struck with the sword just once. They disappear in a gust of wind once defeated, freeing the pool's fairies.
Wizzrobe ZWoG sprite.png
Wizzrobe
A green mage who has trapped Lady Alma in Shutoy Lake's tower, burying her under rubble and stones. He uses a disintegration spell attack which instantly kills Zelda upon contact; however, the spell can be deflected towards him with the Reflecting Shield. A single hit from it makes him burst into flames.
Hektan ZWoG sprite.png
Hektan
A wizard that imprisoned Lord Kiro in one of Dodomai Palace's towers. He is very dangerous, teleporting in the blink of an eye and destroying an Armos in a single blast. Despite this, his defenses are very low, as he'll melt into nothing but a beating life heart after a single stab from Zelda's sword.
Omfak ZWoG sprite.png
Omfak
A shape-shifter that guards the Shrine of Gamelon and its wand. He alternates between three distinct forms; a wolf that fires lasers from its eyes, a lion that breathes blistering fire, and a pair of giant lips that can easily eat things. Zelda has to stab him in his "lips" form several times to defeat him.

Items[edit]

These are items that can be used from Zelda's inventory:

Item Description
Bomb LFoE sprite.png
Bomb
Used to defeat enemies and destroy certain obstacles. Three bombs can be bought at the Sakado store for 20 Rubies. Zelda can hold up to 99 bombs.
Bread ZWoG sprite.png
Bread
Fresh bread baked by Harbanno. When thrown, flying enemies will dive towards it and eat it right up.
Canteen TFoE icon.png
Canteen
Replenishes Zelda's health when used, but must be refilled with Water of Life afterwards.
Fairy Lantern ZWoG sprite.png
Fairy Lantern
An upgraded version of the Magic Lantern that makes the flying enemies in Reesong Palace visible and doesn't need lamp oil to function.
Flute ZWoG sprite.png
Flute
A musical instrument that immobilizes all flying enemies for five seconds. It costs five Rubies to use.
Lantern TFoE icon.png
Lantern
Lights up dark areas for around 20 seconds. It requires one unit of lamp oil to use.
Magic Cape ZWoG sprite.png
Magic Cape
An upgraded version of the Shroud that allows Zelda to jump across larger gaps than she is normally able to. It costs five Rubies to use.
Magic Cloak ZWoG sprite.png
Magic Cloak
The completed cloak allows Zelda to turn invisible and walk past enemies for four seconds. It costs twenty Rubies to use.
Magic Lantern TFoE icon.png
Magic Lantern
An upgraded version of the basic Lantern that doubles the time it stays lit from 20 seconds to 40.
Power Glove TFoE icon.png
Power Glove
Allows Zelda to destroy obstacles and enemies instantly, including certain boulders that require ten bombs instead of one. It costs ten Rubies to use.
Rope TFoE icon.png
Rope
Lets Zelda climb up to specific platforms and ledges. A rope is discarded when successfully used. Three ropes can be bought at the Sakado store for 10 Rubies. Zelda can hold up to 99 ropes.
Shroud ZWoG sprite.png
Shroud
A knitted green shawl that defeats Gibdo in a single shot.
Wand of Gamelon ZWoG sprite.png
Wand of Gamelon
A powerful wand that is used to ensnare and defeat Ganon.
Water of Life TFoE icon.png
Water of Life
Restores all of Zelda's hearts, and fills her canteen if it is present and empty. Unlike Link: The Faces of Evil, Water of Life is only given out by friendly characters.

These are items that cannot be used from the inventory. They are the exact same as in Link: The Faces of Evil:

Item Description
Key LFoE sprite.png
Key
Every key instantly unlocks a nearby door.
Lantern Oil LFoE sprite.png
Lamp oil
Required to power both the basic Lantern and the Magic Lantern. Three units can be bought at the Sakado store for 5 Rubies. Zelda can hold up to 99 units.
Life Heart LFoE sprite.png
Life Heart
Adds another full heart to Zelda's health meter when collected. Two are obtained by defeating bosses, while one is given out at the Fairy Pool.
Ruby LFoE sprite.png
Ruby
Rubies are used to purchase items and to use certain items.
Triforce Map LFoE sprite.png
Triforce Map
Returns Zelda to the world map when touched with the Smart Sword. Two can be found in nearly every level; the second Triforce Map is at the end and usually unlocks a new area.

There are some items that Zelda must trade with other characters, entirely different from those in Link: The Faces of Evil:

Item Description
Arpagos Egg ZWoG sprite.png
Arpagos Egg
A big, hearty Arpagos egg, which Makoto will gladly trade in exchange for her flute.
Arpagos Feather ZWoG sprite.png
Arpagos Feather
A lone feather from an Arpagos nest. Myra needs it to enchant Zelda's shroud.
Cloak ZWoG sprite.png
Cloak
An unfinished cloak made by Lika. She needs some Fairy Dust to make it magical.
Fairy Dust ZWoG sprite.png
Fairy Dust
Some magical dust given to Zelda by the Fairy Pool's fairies. Needed for Lika's cloak.
Hanyu Spore ZWoG sprite.png
Hanyu Spore
A royal purple spore exclusive to Hanyu Forest, given to Grimbo so he can make a Power Glove.
Heat Crystal ZWoG sprite.png
Heat Crystal
Dropped by the Gleeok in Dordung Cave upon its death. Yokan uses it to craft the Magic Sword.

Weapons[edit]

Just like Link: The Faces of Evil, Zelda can only use a sword and shield as an equipped weapon, which have at least one upgrade.

Item Description
Power Sword tempered LFoE sprite.png
Magic Sword
An upgraded Power Sword that fires power blasts no matter how much health Zelda has.
Power Sword LFoE sprite.png
Power Sword
An upgraded Smart Sword that fires power blasts when Zelda is at full health.
Reflecting Shield LFoE sprite.png
Reflecting Shield
An upgraded shield that reflects the magical projectiles thrown by Wizzrobe.
Shield ZWoG sprite.png
Shield
The shield that Zelda starts out with. It can block any projectile as long as they make contact while Zelda stands still.
Sword LFoE sprite.png
Smart Sword
The sword that Zelda starts out with. It is used to attack enemies and pick up items, as well as make friendly characters talk.

Locations[edit]

Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon takes place entirely on Gamelon, a lush island with several towns, palaces, and forests. A land map is used to travel between certain regions.

Three locations are initially available at the start of the game; Aru Ainu, Kobitan, and Sakado. More locations are unlocked after hitting the Triforce Map at the end of specific stages.

Name Description
Aru Ainu A hamlet in Gamelon's northwestern savanna whose citizens have fled (for the most part) after the arrival of a Gleeok.
Kobitan A farming village north of Sakado that has been overrun by insatiable Moblins and a Vire.
Sakado A large port town on the island's eastern coast. Inside the town's church, Zelda encounters and fights a Gibdo.
Ahitaru A barren desert flanked by Kobitan and Sakado. A giant fish skeleton rests on a mountainside, with the fisherman Yokan trapped in the skull.
Washubi Swamp An Arkadai-infested marsh south of Aru Ainu. At the end of the swamp is a hut belonging to Grimbo.
Hanyu Forest A forest on Gamelon's south coast that is occupied by many Bots.
Tykogi Tower A towering prison near Sakado which houses most of the town's inhabitants, including its mayor. Near the end, Zelda fights an Iron Knuckle.
Dordung Cave The lair of the Gleeok that scared off Aru Ainu's populace, located in Gamelon's western mountain range.
The Fairy Pool A fairy fountain nestled in a valley near Reesong Palace. It has been taken over by the Three Witches and shrouded in darkness.
Gobiyan Ship A haunted shipwreck that was scuttled in Gamelon's northern bay.
Shutoy Lake Gamelon's largest lake is home to an abandoned coastal village and a tall red tower; inside the latter, Zelda does battle with a Wizzrobe.
Dodomai Palace The large palace where Duke Onkled currently resides. While exploring the manor, Zelda encounters and defeats a aquatic mage named Hektan.
Shrine of Gamelon A shrine on top of Gamelon's tallest mountain. Zelda has to defeat the chimera Omfak to obtain the shrine's treasure, the Wand of Gamelon.
Nokani Forest A forest near Shutoy Lake that has trees so tall that the forest floor is often shrouded in darkness.
Reesong Palace The final area of the game, a red-brick fortress occupied by Ganon. On top of the palace's tallest tower is a cell that King Harkinian is being held in.

Development[edit]

Main article: Link: The Faces of Evil#Development

The Wand of Gamelon shares a nearly identical development story to Link: The Faces of Evil, as both games were developed in tandem by Animation Magic and saw a simultaneous release. Together, they were the first Nintendo-licensed games to be released on the Philips CD-i.

With the relatively low budget of approximately $600,000, Wand of Gamelon was given a little over a year for completion — time which would have to be split between the development of Wand of Gamelon and Faces of Evil. It was decided by Animation Magic, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based development team led by Dale DeSharone, that the two games would be developed in tandem and would share the same graphics engine to more efficiently use the budget.

The voice of Princess Zelda was provided by Bonnie Jean Wilbur and the voice of Link by Jeffrey Rath, while additional voices were provided by Jeffrey Nelson, Mark Berry, Natalie Brown, Karen Grace, Josie McElroy, Marguerite Scott and Paul Wann.

Reception[edit]

At the time of its release, contemporary criticism was largely positive. SNES Force magazine described the animated sequences as "breathtaking" and praised the game's high-resolution graphics and "brilliant" use of sound and speech. Highly anticipated by the French video game press, Joystick magazine's development preview of the title highlighted the fact that this would be the first of the Zelda games to feature true voice acting, and described its plot as highly original and the background graphics as a tableaux of great beaut.] The UK-based CDi Magazine rated the game a 75%, describing it as a "reasonably good game" and praising the puzzles and the animation sequences while criticizing its perfunctory plot and poor controls. In 1994, Edge reported that both Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon had sold a "respectable number of units", but as CD-i sales began to suffer criticism sharpened and the games were described as low-cost, low-risk ventures that had failed to excite any interest in the platform despite their sales figures.

All three Zelda CD-i titles have garnered a largely negative reception among modern critics, with The Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon standing out as the most frequently derided. The magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly ranked Zelda: Wand of Gamelon the sixth worst game of all time, and GameTrailers rated it fifth worst game of all time. The Star Tribune described the game's voice acting as "laughable" and it was also criticized by Zelda Elements as jarring. IGN described the games as "infamous" and "cheesy"; other reviewers called the animated cutscenes "freakish" and "an absolute joke". Wired magazine said that the animation on the first two Zelda games was extremely simple and stilted and that the graphics had several glitches.

Despite the largely negative reception of The Wand of Gamelon, there have been a few positive reviews as well. Both Danny Cowan of 1UP.com and John Szczepaniak praised Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon as among the best games on the CD-i. Szczepaniak in particular suggested that several of the gaming magazines that had rated and reviewed Wand of Gamelon and Faces of Evil had engaged in hate campaigns having never even played the game. Cowan's and Szczepaniak's praises drew from the games' detailed, well-drawn in-game backgrounds and "pretty decent" gameplay, although both criticized the controls.

While the audio was thought to be "average", and not up to the usual Zelda quality by some reviewers, this has been contested by others who have described it as diverse and high-quality with an adventurous upbeat tempo blending electric guitar, panpipes, marimbas, and other unusual instruments. In a periodical for Retro Gamer magazine, Szczepaniak identified the natural comparison of the games by reviewers to the quality of games in the rest of the Zelda series as an improper comparison to make and suggested that when reviewed in their own right the games were actually excellent.

Contrary to what were described as "lies perpetuated about [Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon]," Retro Gamer described these games as "astoundingly good" and rated them together as number ten in its "Perfect Ten Games" for CD-i. While acknowledging that the games lacked canonicity, the games were praised for exhilarating pacing and superb gameplay design and music. The game's background art was also described as ranging from Gigeresque to Monet-esque.

References[edit]